These beautiful little girls show that the Victorians were patriots, who knew!
Click on image to download
Click on image to download
The Victorians missed very few opportunities to include botanicals in their images and these patriotic images are no exception. Using the laurel wreath in the second image is interesting and not just because it's quite lovely.
Laurel wreaths were depicted in Greek mythology where we see Apollo wearing one. The circular laurel wreath was used by the Greeks and Romans as symbols of victory and strength. And in ancient times the laurel wreath was depicted as a horeshoe shape.
I am seeing the horeshoe shaped laurel wreath motif everywhere these days: home decor, apparel, fabrics and crafts. It is often seen in government seals and flags - on the local and federal levels. Colleges, universities and even auto makers use the motif as their logo or symbol.
Ever heard the term "resting on your laurels"? This expression refers to relying on one's past successes and achievements. Who knew! I sure never knew where that expression came from.
I hope you find wonderful ways to use these beautiful images in your projects and please feel free to send me photos of what you create.
Enjoy!
